Stanford (0-0) vs. Rice (0-0) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

As if getting ripped apart by Stanford in a 41-17 loss to end last season wasn’t enough, now Rice gets to travel to Australia to try not to relive the nightmare.

It’s almost as if college football is forcing teams with no defense on the Aussies, kicking off last season with Cal and Hawaii each leaving any tackling ability they might have had thousands of miles away.

Oh sure, Stanford will bring its D. It’s a team on a Pac-12 title-or-bust mission after coming up short last season, and against Rice, the goal will be to get the backups a title work – depth is the only real concern.

Meanwhile, Rice will make the attempt to show some semblance of defensive improvement with a new style that’ll try to come out hot.

Australia deserves a good game.

One Reason Why Stanford Will Win

Really? After allowing almost 500 yards per game last season, Rice is suddenly going to figure out how to get nasty on the defensive front? It’s an experienced group, but it’s also a wee bit too small.

Rice, welcome once again to the Stanford offensive line.

After a down year, the Stanford front five couldn’t pass protect and wasn’t consistent. Now with four returning starters and a whole load of talented young options ready to get a little time, the power game should be back, and there’s nothing Rice will be able to do about it.

One Reason Why Rice Will Win

Can Stanford throw the ball yet? It’s still trying to lock down the quarterback situation, and it’s still going to have to prove it can start getting the ball down the field.

Stanford isn’t going to get cute early on. If Rice can somehow force a few third-and-longs, it’ll turn the game over to its veteran secondary that should be a wee bit better, if not the team’s biggest strength.

It’s not like the Stanford offense was a juggernaut last season – finishing 103rd in yards – and it’s going to need some tinkering. It’ll be brutally tough, but it might not be sharp.

What’s Going To Happen

Ground and pound, ground and pound, ground and pound. While QB Keller Chryst will supposedly give it a go after just a few months removed from a knee injury, Stanford isn’t going to mess around.

Run, run some more, turn the game over to the defense, fly home to rest up and get ready for USC.